Limestone Independent News

05/12/2026

M. Trent Luster, 59, of Metamora, IL, passed away at 10:44 am on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL.

He was born on January 7, 1967, in Pekin, IL, to Fred M. and Martha R. (Foster) Luster. He married Melissa Wurster on May 24, 2000 in Eureka, IL. She passed away on September 3, 2020.

Surviving are his children, Nicole Gordon of Pekin, IL, Robert Gordon of East Peoria, IL, and Trent Rubel of Spring Bay, IL; grandchildren, Michael (Mikaela) Gordon, Mason Rubel, and Kye Rubel; partner, Jacqueline Walton of Metamora, IL; siblings, Fred Luster of North Pekin, IL, Marsha (Bruce) Paulson of Culleoka, TN, John (Valerie) Luster of Mapleton, IL, Lori (Rusty) Thomson of Manvel, TX, Andy (Kris) Luster of North Pekin, IL, Lisa (Larry) Van Ness of Columbia, TN, and Eric (Misty) Romero of Creve Coeur, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.

Trent served his country honorably as an Army veteran with the 82nd Airborne Division. His service reflected the courage, discipline, and loyalty that defined much of his life. He was a devoted grandfather, veteran, and friend whose humor, strength, and presence left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

He had worked as a master electrician for Caterpillar Tractor Company for over twenty years. He was a member of the Amvets Post 169 in North Pekin and a member with the Spring Bay American Legion Post 1115 where he served in the Honor Guard for many years.

Known by many as the funniest man they had ever met, Trent had a way of bringing laughter into any room and lifting the spirits of those around him. His quick wit, storytelling, and sense of humor were gifts that made even ordinary moments unforgettable. Beyond the laughter, he was a man of deep love and loyalty to his family and friends. Trent’s legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the memories he created, and the laughter he shared so freely. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Mason Funeral Home Germantown Hills Chapel with a Memorial Service to follow at 12:00 noon. Burial of Ashes will be held at Spring Bay Cemetery with military rites accorded by the Spring Bay American Legion Post 1115.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of M. Trent Luster, please visit our flower store.

05/12/2026

Henry Pena Alcaraz Obituary
Henry Pena Alcaraz, age 96, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026 at his home in Dunlap, IL.

Henry was born in Peoria, IL on November 26, 1929, a son of John and Juanita (Pena) Alcaraz. He married Delores Motteler in Peoria, Il. She preceded him in death in January, 2008.

Henry is survived by their children, Mike (Dawn) Alcaraz of Kewanee, IL, Ross Alcaraz of Dunlap, IL, and John (Cynthia) Alcaraz of Hanna City, IL, and daughter-in-law, Angela Alcaraz of Pompeo Beach, FL, six grandchildren, Aaron, Jarod, Ashley, Kyle, Katelynne and Cory, seven great-grandchildren, Landon, Jayci, Payson, Oliver, Savannah, Zoe and Atalie and one brother, Louie Alcaraz of East Peoria, IL.

He was preceded in death by his wife, one son, David Alcaraz, four brothers, Ed, George, Ray and Robert Alcaraz and one sister, Consuelo Alcaraz.

Henry proudly served in the US Army, during the Korean Conflict. He was active in the Peoria community. He owned and operated Alcaraz Styling Center and was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church. He was active in the Peoria Optimist Club many years ago. Henry helped train and coach boxers at Independent Sports Club and was a 3 time Peoria Golden Gloves Boxing Champion.

Memorial Mass will be at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at St. Jude Catholic Church, with a one hour priori visitation. Cremation Rites have been accorded. Burial of Ashes will be later in the afternoon at St. Joseph Cemetery in West Peoria.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Catholic Church.

Tributes and condolences may be left at www.wrightandsalmon.com

05/08/2026

John Thomas "Tom" Lopeman

John Thomas “Tom” Lopeman, 74, of rural East Peoria, IL, sadly passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026 in the arms of his wife, surrounded by his children. A man of faith and conviction, Tom fought his terminal cancer diagnosis with dignity and true grit.

Tom was born on November 29, 1951, in Peoria, IL, the loyal and loving son of John and Jean Lopeman. He was big brother to his two surviving sisters, Cathy (Dave) Hoopingarner of Hanna City and Connie (Ken) Kelly of Henry. His parents and brother-in-law Dave preceded him in death.

Tom married his treasured wife, Cheryl (McNutt) on May 1, 1982, recently celebrating 44 years. Together, Tom and Cheryl shared a wonderful vision, working to build their family that flourished with love; their children, Allison (Doug) Bishop, Maggie Lopeman, and A.J. (Alissa) Lopeman are a testament to the enduring strength of their bond. The immense love he had for his grandchildren, Rachel, Ryder, Rylee and Aemilia had no boundaries, all spoiled by their Papa! He was so excited to meet his new granddaughter, Alayah, who is to be born in July, unfortunately, God ends a life to start a new life, Papa already loved her.

Graduating from Henry-Senachwine High School, in 1969, he continued to pursue his interest in computers attending the Electronics Technical Institute which led to his career in Information Technology. Tom worked for McDonnell-Douglas, CILCO, ultimately, retiring from Caterpillar in 2015 after working 45 years in IT.

Tom’s passion for travel and exploration led him to visit all fifty states with Cheryl, creating lifelong memories. As an avid enthusiast of history, westerns and science fiction (obviously, passing on Star Wars Day)! He was a valued asset to any trivia team. Many trips with kids/grandkids included National Parks, Yellowstone, Glacier, Rocky Mountain, or dinosaur digs, OK corral or battleship tours incorporating his love for history and westerns. Frequent family trips to Hayward, Wisconsin were a cherished tradition filled with camping, fishing, sightseeing and quality time with his beloved family, a time to reconnect and strengthen bonds.

Tom loved Sunday afternoons at the movies, Bingo nights, enjoyed a good glass of wine, good food, annual wine tasting with friends and looked forward to the yearly Lopeman Christmas party. He loved a good joke, though a quiet man, his laughter was contagious bringing joy to all around.

Tom was a loving son, beloved brother, loved uncle to his numerous nieces and nephews, cherished Dad and Papa and an irreplaceable husband. He will be dearly missed, but his legacy of love, laughter, and adventure will live on, inspiring future generations to come.

Tom’s family wishes to thank the medical teams at Illinois Cancer Care and OSF Palliative Care for their kind, loving support throughout this journey.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation and Service will be held from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm on Friday, May 15, 2026 at Mason Funeral Home Germantown Hills Chapel. Dinner is to follow for remembering and continued celebration of Tom’s life. Burial of Ashes will be in Henry Cemetery in Henry, IL at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Illinois Cancer Care (with emphasis on pancreatic cancer), 8940 North Wood Sage Road, Peoria, IL 61615 or to WCSEA (Woodford County Special Education Association), 205 South Englewood Drive, Metamora, IL 61548. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

04/30/2026

Della Darlene Bohm Obituary
The memory of Della Darlene Bohm of Glasford, Illinois, born in Peoria, Illinois, who passed away on April 28, 2026 at the age of 88, will forever remain in the hearts of those touched by this precious presence in their lives. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Della Darlene Bohm to pay them a last tribute.

She was predeceased by: her parents, Cecilia Brill (Hutt) and Joseph Brill; and her siblings, Shirley Siebert, Ralph Brill, Robert Brill, Joseph Brill, Donna Flier, Carolyn Sue Brill, Connie Rassi and Thomas Brill.

She is survived by: her husband David Dean Bohm; her children, Jeff Worms (Michele) and Kim Brauer (Grant); her grandchildren, Scott Worms (Samantha), Stacy McMahan (Tyler), Jake Worms (Cheyenne), Joe Worms (Katie), Megan Nollman (Andy) and Karlie Pulliam (Greg); and her great grandchildren, Shaylee, Adley, Caleb, Tyler, Benjamin, Jorah Lee and Vivian.

Memorials may be made to Shriners Children's Hospital.

04/25/2026

Deborah Sue Livezey, 61, of Hanna City passed away Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Carle Health Methodist in Peoria.

She was born on May 27, 1964, in Peoria to Jerome and Sandra Murray Schmit. Her parents; brother, Mark Schmit and son, Christopher Livezey preceded her in death.

Deborah married Timothy Vern Livezey on February 17, 1990, in Wichita Falls, TX; he survives. She is also survived by her son, Kyle (Jaysen) Summers; daughter-in-law, Cara Livezey; grandson, Jaret Ledford; brothers, Mike (Amy) Schmit, Marvin (Kimberly) Schmit and many nieces and nephews.

She served in the U.S. Air Force and worked for Traditions Hospice.

Deborah loved quilting and crocheting. She enjoyed traveling.

Cremation has been accorded and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Illinois Cancer Care in her name.

The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Pekin/Peoria is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at

Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois, Co. specializes in direct cremation at an affordable price and has been helping families in their time of loss since 199... Learn More

04/23/2026

Obituary
Jeraldene Duckworth, 96, of Pekin, Illinois, formerly of Morton, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Pekin Manor in Pekin.

He was born on July 16, 1929, in Benton, Illinois, to Herschel and Arvada Summers Duckworth. He married Elsie Duckworth on October 28, 1949. She passed away on April 24, 2021. He was also preceded in death by his son, Jerry Duckworth; his great-grandson, Tyler DeVault; two brothers, Eugene and Kermit Duckworth; and a sister, Marilyn Hatchett.

He is lovingly survived by his two daughters, Alice (Bill) Siebenthal of Bartonville, Illinois, and Mary (Marty) DeVault from Erie, Illinois, as well as his daughter-in-law, Christine Duckworth of Washington, Illinois. His family also includes seven grandchildren: Jerry, Rusty, Amy, Paul, Marsha, Matt, and Laura; 22 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren, with another precious great-great-grandchild expected in August 2026. He is also survived by his sister, Sue Oathout, from Florida.

He worked for Caterpillar Tractor Company for 30 years and retired in 1980. He loved riding horses and served as a past president of the Morton Riding Club. He often went on horseback trips to Thompsonville, IL. He loved gardening and valued family time, particularly with his grandchildren.

A private graveside service will be held at Hillcrest Memory Gardens in rural Morton. Memorials in his name can be given to the family, who will then provide them to a trust fund for his unborn great-great-granddaughter, Lottie Jean Nicole Dowell. Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington has been entrusted with arrangements. To share a memory or condolence with his family, visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com. Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington has been entrusted with his burial arrangements.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jeraldene Duckworth, please visit our flower store.

04/11/2026

Lewis Chance, 68, of Mapleton, IL passed away on Monday, April 6, 2026, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL.

He was born on January 5, 1958, in Washington, D.C. to Theodore and Loretta Fasion Christian. His mother and brother, Ricky Christian preceded him in death.

Lewis is survived by his children, Kyra Judd-Chance, Robert (Malikah) Graves; stepchild, Raven Judd; five grandchildren; father, Theodore Christian; siblings, Kevin Christian, Helen Christian, Natasha Christian; niece and nephews and his caregivers, Nancy and Janelle.

He served in the U.S. Marines and worked as a cook.

Lewis loved his daughter, Kyra, and his best friend, Sonny. He also loved music, working and cooking good food, which everyone enjoyed eating. Lewis enjoyed telling jokes and keeping his car spotless. His favorite saying “I’m Federal”.

Cremation has been accorded and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Pekin/Peoria is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at csmico.com

04/11/2026

Bernard "Bernie" Meyer, 88, of East Peoria, peacefully passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He was born in Peoria on April 12, 1937, to Oscar and Blanche (Athey) Meyer. On May 19, 1959, he married his soulmate, Judith "Judy" Hattan, in Lacon, and they enjoyed over 66 years of marriage. She survives.

Also surviving are his 3 sons, Brett (Terri) Meyer of Bartonville, Brad (Debra) Meyer of East Peoria; and Brock Meyer of Peoria; 7 grandchildren, Brooke, Breanna, Bryce, Chad, Kyle, Ocean, and Sky; and 2 great grandchildren, Rae and Jude.

Bernie graduated from Peoria Manual High School and started working as an ironworker. He then went on to become a gas dispatcher at CILCO, retiring after 30 plus years of service.

In retirement, Bernie and Judy bought a 5th wheel camper and traveled for many years, spending their winters in Lake Havasu, AZ. Bernie was a great dad and grandpa. He loved spending time outside, teaching his sons and grandkids about duck hunting, boating, fishing, and golf. He especially enjoyed having fun and a little friendly competition while playing pool, ping pong, and horseshoes.

Bernie's visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., with the funeral service following, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Gary Deiters Funeral Home & Cremation Services in East Peoria. Pastor Craig Hislope will officiate. Burial will follow at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria.

Memorial contributions may be made to RiversEdge UMC Food Pantry in Spring Bay. Online condolences may be left at www.GaryDeitersFH.com.

04/08/2026

Lori Ann Anderson, 65, recently of Bartonville, Illinois, passed away on April 1, 2026, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Lori was born on July 27, 1960, in Peoria, Illinois, to James Baumgartner and Maryanna Mahoney.
Lori will be remembered as a true free spirit with a deep love for life and nature. She had a special passion for rescuing dogs, caring for her many plants & flowers, and spending time in warm weather—especially near the beach. She found joy in watching birds, particularly hummingbirds. She took great pride in supporting her granddaughters, attending Penguin Project performances, school/travel Softball games, as well as thrift and garage sale shopping with her daughter and friends. Lori was also proud of her four years of sobriety, a meaningful accomplishment that reflected her strength and dedication to her family.

She is survived by her daughter, Jill (Derik Allison) Brunson; her grandchildren, Mackenzie Brunson and Averie Anna Allison; her siblings, Lisa Lindsey and Bruce Baumgartner; her nieces, Jamie Pyeatte and Jody Davis; her nephew, PJ Pyeatte; and many extended family members and very dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her stepfather, Alexander Castaneda.

Lori was a no-frills kind of a gal, and wished to have no services. A small celebration of life will likely be planned for this summer.

Memorial contributions in Lori’s honor may be made to a local animal rescue organization, Peoria Penguin Project, or a sobriety support program of the donor’s choice.

04/07/2026

Donna Darlene Ricca, 98, of Bartonville, IL, spoke often of the angels that were assigned to her, and they took her to meet her Savior on April 1, 2026.

Donna was born on March 31, 1928, to Aaron and Ocal (Collins) Burk in Decatur, IL. She married Thomas Ricca on August 7, 1948, and spent many years together until his passing in 2004.

She was a quiet, unassuming woman to those who did not know her well, but to the ones who had the pleasure of really knowing her, she was a little firecracker with a great sense of humor and quick wit. She raised five boys with the help of the occasional wooden spoon and threats, the most serious of which was “Just wait ‘till your father gets home!” But she was always there for her boys, and they knew that she loved them.

She showed her independent streak by living on her own until a week before she died, with some help from her loving sons. She was a voracious reader, having read so many books that she had to write their titles down to keep track. She loved word puzzles, watching the goings-on of the neighborhood, and keeping up with the lives of her family and friends. She prided herself on being able to make do and was successful throughout her life at making much out of little. Though her faith in God had always had a place in her life, it had especially flourished in the last several years and she spoke often of God’s love and care for her.

Donna is survived by her sons, Leslie (Sonia) Ricca, Philip Ricca, and Russell Ricca; her grandchildren; her great grandchildren; and many extended family members.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Thomas; her sons, Steven Ricca in 2010 and David Ricca in 2020; her brother, Neil Burk; and her sister, Lila Myers.

A graveside service at Springdale Cemetery in Peoria, IL will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions in honor of Donna can be made to a charity of your choice.